JPH11128411A - Golf club - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve durability of a head main body and make the head main body thin and light in weight by forming a shell member forming the head main body by a plurality of frame bodies having prescribed shapes, making at least one frame body a fiber reinforced metal planar shape reinforced by long fibers and integrally joining each frame body. SOLUTION: A head main body 1 is made of a plurality of frame bodies by dividing a shell member constituting a head main body and is constituted by integrally joining these frame bodies. Namely, the head main body 1 is divided into each part of a crown part 2, a sole part 3, a back part 4, a two side part 5, a heel side part 6 and a neck part 8 and each part of these is joined and integrated. A face plate 10 is fixed to the front surface part of the head main body 1. At this time, at least one frame body of the divided frame bodies is formed of fiber reinforced metal(FRM) which is planar and is reinforced by long fibers, and protective layers of metal are formed by thermal spraying, plating and sputtering on both of the outside surface and the inside surface of the FRM layer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a golf club, and more particularly to a golf club having a head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as for a golf club head, it is known that a face portion is formed of fiber reinforced metal (FRM) as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-280855. That is, the face portion is liable to be damaged, worn, etc. due to an impact at the time of hitting the ball, and has a disadvantage that durability is inferior to other portions of the head main body. And a plate (face plate) as a separate member, and this face plate is formed of FRM having characteristics of high strength and excellent durability.

[0003]

However, in the head disclosed in the above publication, the head body to which the face plate is attached is made of a commonly used stainless steel, aluminum, titanium or the like. Therefore, the strength of the head body is not sufficiently improved, and the thickness and thickness of the head body are limited.Therefore, the size of the head body is increased, and the center of gravity is adjusted by the weight reduction. This limits the degree of freedom in designing the head.

That is, with the configuration disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, it is not possible to sufficiently achieve the required characteristics that are important in designing a golf club, such as improving the flight distance and stabilizing the direction.

According to the present invention, the strength and durability of the golf club head body are improved, and the golf club head is made thinner and lighter, thereby increasing the size of the head and increasing the degree of freedom in weight distribution. Improve flight distance, directional stability, etc.
It is an object of the present invention to obtain a golf club capable of improving various characteristics.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized in that it is configured as follows. At least a part of the head body of the golf club is made of a fiber-reinforced metal reinforced with long fibers. When at least a part of the head body is made of a fiber-reinforced metal reinforced with long fibers, a protective layer is formed on the surface thereof. Further, the head body is formed by joining a plurality of frames having a predetermined shape, and a thick portion is formed outside the frames at the joint between the frames. Further, at least the crown portion or the sole portion of the head main body is made of a fiber-reinforced metal plate reinforced with long fibers, and the main reinforcing fibers are arranged in the front-rear direction of the head main body. Further, when at least a part of the frame forming the outer shell of the head body is made of fiber reinforced metal reinforced with long fibers, the reinforcing fibers at the ridge of the frame are substantially perpendicular to the ridge direction. It is characterized by being oriented in a direction.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall shape of a head, and FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross section of the head.
The head main body 1 of this embodiment is configured by dividing an outer shell member constituting the head main body into a plurality of frames, and integrally forming these frames to form a face plate. 10 is fixed. The head body 1 has a crown portion 2, a sole portion 3, a back portion 4, a toe side portion 5, a heel side portion 6, and a neck portion 8, and a frame formed corresponding to these portions is joined. It is composed of In this case, the frame body may be formed for each part as shown in the drawing. For example, the back part 4 and the toe side part 5 may be formed integrally, or the sole part 3 and the back part 4 may be formed integrally. The head body 1 is variously deformed according to the overall shape. In the head body 1 thus configured, at least one frame body is made of a plate-like fiber reinforced metal (FRM) reinforced with long fibers. Here, the plate-shaped FRM includes a flat FRM or a FRM that is bent in a curved shape so as to conform to the outer shape of the head main body 1. Normally, a plate-shaped FRM can be bent to about 20 to 10R by squeezing or the like. The configuration of the FRM will be described later.

When the cylindrical neck portion 8 is formed in the head main body 1, the neck portion 8 does not need to be formed of a material reinforced with long fibers, and is made of a material (metal ceramic, synthetic material) having a lower specific gravity than other portions. It is preferable to use resin or the like from the viewpoint of reducing the weight of the head body. When the neck portion 8 is shortened or eliminated, a shaft insertion hole for receiving the shaft is formed in the inner surface of the heel portion 6 of the head body 1 or, as shown in FIG. 2, the crown side and the heel side (sole side). Shaft receiving portions 8a and 12 for fixing the shaft may be formed. In this case, the upper shaft receiving portion 8a may be formed short and small, and the lower shaft receiving portion 12 may be formed so as to extend long so as to reach the crown portion 2. In addition,
Such shaft receiving portions 8a and 12 can also be made of a plate-like FRM reinforced with long fibers.

When each of the above-mentioned frames is made of FRM,
The main reinforcing fibers of the FRM are arranged in the front-back direction with respect to the crown portion 2, the sole portion 3, the toe side portion 5, and the heel side portion 6 in consideration of the impact at the time of hitting the ball, and are arranged vertically in the back portion 4. It is preferable to set up. The toe side 5 and the heel side 6
May be arranged in the vertical direction in consideration of the prevention of cracks and dents. The neck portion 8 is preferably arranged in the axial direction in consideration of the bending stress generated at the time of hitting a ball.
A face plate 10 fixed to the head body 1
Is composed of FRM, the reinforcing fiber has a larger amount of deformation per unit length in the vertical direction when hitting a ball,
Since cracks and cracks are likely to occur in the left-right direction, it is preferable to dispose them vertically.

As means for forming the head body 1 by integrally joining the above-mentioned frames, welding, welding, fixing the frame with a mold, and forming a joint or the like by casting or the like, Alternatively, a method such as screwing may be adopted, or a combination of these methods may be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the welding or welding is performed by forming a thick portion 20 by building up a welding agent (welding agent) at each joint from inside or outside of the head body. Will be When the welding agent or the like is overlaid from the outside of the head main body 1, the portion is polished to become the thick portion 20 (hereinafter, the thick portion means the welding agent (welding agent) is overlaid and required. And the polished part). When the shaft 15 is actually attached to the head body 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a thick portion 20a is formed between the heel side portion 6 and the shaft 15, and the shaft receiving portion 8a and the heel side portion Thick part 2 between 6
0b are formed to form a strong bonding structure.

As described above, the head body 1 is made of a plate-like FRM formed in advance using long fibers,
Long fibers can be stably arranged at predetermined positions with high accuracy, and a head body having high strength and improved durability can be obtained. For this reason,
The thickness and weight can be reduced, and the size of the head body can be increased, or the degree of freedom in weight distribution can be increased. (Second Embodiment) FIGS. 3 and 4 show this embodiment. The head body 21 of the present embodiment includes a crown portion 22 and a sole portion 2 similarly to the first embodiment.
3. The back portion 24, the toe side portion (not shown), the heel side portion (not shown), and the neck portion 28 are constituted by a plurality of frames, and these frames are integrally joined. Constitutes the head main body 21. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the crown portion 22 is formed by bending a plate-shaped FRM into a predetermined shape, and the sole portion 23 and the back portion 24
It is a plate-like FRM that is formed integrally by bending it.
These frames are joined together with other frames by welding, welding, or the like. In the figure, such a welded portion (thick portion) is indicated by reference numeral 20c. The toe side and the heel side, not shown, may be formed integrally with the curved sole and the back, or may be joined as separate frames. May be.

The face plate 10 is fixed to the open end face of the head body 21 formed by joining the respective frames by welding, welding, or the like in a state in which the face plate 10 is in contact with the end face. As shown in FIG.
The reinforcing fibers of the head main body 21 made of FRM can be covered by the upper end and the lower end, and the exposure of the reinforcing fibers can be prevented.

In the head body 21 constructed as described above, a protective layer is provided on the surface of the portion where the FRM is used, in this embodiment, the crown portion 22 and the surface from the sole portion 23 to the back portion 24. Is formed. In this case, the formed protective layer may be formed only on the outer surface, or may be formed on the outer surface and the inner surface.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the cross-sectional structure of the crown portion 22 on which the protective layer is formed, of the hollow head shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. Sole portion 23 on which a protective layer is formed, of the hollow head shown in FIG.
1 shows a cross-sectional structure of FIG. The structure shown in FIG. 7A is obtained by forming the protective layer 29 on both the outer surface and the inner surface of the FRM layer 22a, and the structure shown in FIG.
A protective layer 29 formed only on the outer surface of the M layer 22a;
In the structure shown in FIG. 3C, a protective layer 29 is formed on the outer surface and the inner surface of the FRM layer 23a, and a reinforcing metal layer 29a as a protective layer is further formed on the outer side.

As shown in the figure, the FRM layers 22a and 23a are composed of reinforcing fiber layers 22b and 23b and metal layers 22c and 23c as base materials. As shown in (c),
A plurality of reinforcing fiber layers 22b and 23b are provided, and the plurality of reinforcing fiber layers may be formed in a single layer sandwiched between metal layers 22c and 23c as a base material. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. There is no limitation, such as a configuration in which a plurality of FRM layers 22a (two layers in the figure) in which the layer 22b is sandwiched between metal layers 23c as a base material are stacked. Further, as shown in the figure, the reinforcing fiber layer is formed by aligning reinforcing fibers in the same direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) or in a woven fabric shape.

The protective layer 29 formed on the surface of the metal layer of the FRM layer can be made of metal, synthetic resin, ceramics, or the like. When the protective layer 29 is made of metal, it can be formed on the FRM layer by thermal spraying, plating, sputtering, vapor deposition, welding, bonding, or the like,
When it is made of a synthetic resin or ceramics, it can be formed on the FRM layer by coating, lining, bonding, thermal spraying or the like.

Such a protective layer 29 may be formed when each frame is formed, or may be formed on the FRM layer after forming the head body. When the protective layer is made of metal, the FRM layer 22
Since the reinforcing fibers a and 23a are not exposed on the surface, cracks at the joints are prevented, the strength of the head is improved, and the metal layer serving as the protective layer is processed so that the FRM layer is prevented from being polished and worn. Is done. In addition, the strength decrease at the time of design is small, the variation in strength is reduced, preventing the exposure of the reinforcing fiber,
Reinforcement fiber can be protected and durability is improved.

In the case where the protective layer is formed of a metal, the metal used as the protective layer is made of the same material as that of the base material, so that the bonding strength with the base material is increased.
Separation between the M layers 22a and 23a and the protective layer 29 can be suppressed. Alternatively, a metal material having a melting temperature substantially equal to or lower than the base material of the FRM layer may be used. That is, for example, when the base material of the FRM layer is a titanium alloy, a material having a melting point of 1600 ° C. or less, preferably 1500 ° C. or less, such as stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, or copper, is used as the protective layer. By using such a material, when forming the protective layer 29, FRM
The change in strength of the base material of the layer can be reduced, the deterioration of the FRM layer is small, and the variation in strength can be suppressed.

In addition to the above, the protective layer 29 can be made of the following materials. (1) a material that is harder or more wear-resistant than the base material of the FRM layer;
For example, ceramic or hard metal is used. In this case, the hardness of the material serving as the protective layer is HmV 160 or more, preferably 360 or more, and more preferably 420 or more. By using a material that is harder than the base material in this way, the head durability is improved because the scratch resistance is excellent, the wear during use is small, and the exposure of the reinforcing fibers can be prevented. The protective layer made of such a hard or abrasion-resistant material is formed as a reinforcing metal layer 29a on the sole portion of the head body which is easily worn or scratched, as shown in FIG. Is preferred. (2) A material having a lower specific gravity than the base material of the FRM layer is used. In this case, the specific gravity is 4.4 g / cm ³ or less, preferably 4.0 g / cm ^3.
g / cm ³ or less is good. By using such a light specific gravity material, the FRM can be performed without increasing the head weight.
A protective layer can be formed. (3) A material having a higher specific gravity than the base material of the FRM layer is used. In this case, the specific gravity is 4.5 g / cm ³ or more, preferably 5.0 g / cm ^3.
g / cm ³ or more is good. By using such a material having a high specific gravity, the height of the center of gravity of the head can be reduced while improving the strength of the head, so that a golf club in which the ball can easily rise can be obtained. In addition, the moment of inertia of the head can be increased, and the head hardly rotates at the time of a mishit, so that a golf club with improved directionality of a hit ball can be obtained. (4) A material having higher elongation (low elasticity) than the base material of the FRM layer is used. In this case, the elongation is 10% or more, preferably 14%.
The above materials are good. By using such a high elongation (low elasticity) material, when a large impact is applied to the head, F
This prevents cracking of the RM layer and improves the strength of the head. (5) Use a material that is brighter than the base material of the FRM layer. By using such a brilliant material, an appearance that cannot be obtained with the base material can be provided, and the strength can be improved and the appearance can be improved.

Alternatively, in addition to the above, the protective layer is formed of a shock absorbing member (synthetic resin, rubber, elastomer resin),
It may be configured such that the impact does not directly act on the FRM layer of the head body.

The thickness t2 of the protective layers 29 and 29a,
t3 is 1/1 of the total thickness t1 of the FRM layer (head body layer).
The thickness is preferably 3 or less, preferably 5% or more and 25% or less. The reason for this is that if the protective layer is formed thick, the weight of the head body increases, and if the protective layer is formed thin, a sufficient protective effect cannot be obtained.

The reinforcing metal layer 29 shown in FIG.
a may be formed only on the sole portion, or may be formed on the heel portion or the toe portion, or may be used for adjusting the weight balance by changing the thickness or position. Reinforcing metal layer 2
In the case where 9a is formed on the sole portion 23, as shown in FIG. 4A, it is also formed on the lower surface portion of the face plate 10, and the face plate 10 is received at a step between the FRM layer 23a and the protective layer 29a. It is preferable to adopt a configuration. In the case where the reinforcing metal layer 29a as described above is formed, a step is formed between the reinforcing metal layer 29a and another frame. Therefore, a welding agent (welding agent) is built up in this portion to form a thick portion. It is preferable to keep it. (Third Embodiment) FIGS. 5 and 6 show this embodiment. Normally, when the outer shell member that defines the shape of the head body is divided into a plurality of frames, and these frames are integrally joined to form the head body, strength reduction and durability are reduced at each joint. Tends to decrease. In particular, when the frame is made of FRM reinforced with long fibers, the head body can be made thinner and lighter, but the ends of the frame, which is the joining area, are easily exposed to the fibers, and the strength and durability are reduced. It is an easy part.

In this embodiment, even when the head main body is formed by joining frames made of FRM reinforced with long fibers, the joining portions at the ends of each frame are constituted as follows. By doing so, the strength of the head body is prevented from lowering, and the durability is improved.

FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (d) show a joint structure at a ridge portion serving as a joint portion between the frames. These figures illustrate the back area of the head, that is, the joining position between the crown portion 31 and the back portion 34 of the head body.

FIG. 3A shows the crown portion 31 and the back portion 3.
When joining the head 4, a welding agent (adhesive) is formed in a curved surface along the outer shape of the head main body so as to be thick (forming a thick portion 20 d), and the welding agent is also provided inside the head. This is a configuration example in which a thick portion 20e is formed by (adhesive). By forming the thick portion 20d on the outside of the frame in the end region of the frame where the long fibers are easily exposed, the reinforcing fiber layer of the FRM can be protected, and the head body can have high strength. At the same time, the strength can be stabilized and the durability can be improved. Further, by forming the thick portion 20d in a curved shape along the outer shape of the head main body, the appearance can be improved. In this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, if the metal layers 31b and 34b serving as protective layers are provided on the surfaces of the FRM layers 31a and 34a, the exposure of the reinforcing fibers can be more effectively performed. Can be prevented.

FIGS. 2B and 2C show examples of joining structures in which the thicknesses of the joining portions of the frames differ from each other. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 6B, when joining the thin frame 31 (crown portion) and the thick frame 34 (back portion), the end portion region of the thick frame is inclined. A surface (chamfer) is formed, and a thick portion 20d made of a welding agent (adhesive) is formed on the inclined surface. In addition,
In this embodiment, the frame 34 is composed of an FRM layer 34a and a metal layer 34b serving as a protective layer, and the metal layer 34b has an inclined surface 34c. By forming the inclined surface 34c on the side of the thicker frame body in the joining region in this manner, stress concentration at the joining portion can be prevented, and effects such as improvement in durability of the joining portion can be obtained. Further, in the case of such a configuration, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 5A, the thick portion 20e is also formed on the inner side inside the head by a welding agent (adhesive).
Is preferably formed.

The configuration example shown in FIG. 3C shows a thin frame 31 (crown portion) and a thick frame 34 (back portion).
At the time of joining, a concave groove 34d is formed in the end region of the thick frame, the end of the other frame 31 is fitted into the concave groove 34d, and a thick portion 20d is formed in this joint region. Thus, the two are integrally joined. Thus, by forming the concave groove portion 34d in the frame body 34 and joining them together,
Exposure of the reinforcing fibers can be prevented, and the bonding strength between the two can be further improved.

FIG. 4D shows an example of a joint structure at a position where the frame is easily bent. The end regions of each frame are bent inward to form bent portions 31e and 34e. The bent portions face each other, and a welding agent (adhesive) is applied to the facing portions.
The thick portions 20d and 20e are formed by the above method. By bending the end of the frame body in this manner, the exposure of the reinforcing fibers can be reliably prevented, and a joint structure with improved strength and excellent durability can be obtained. In addition, the joint portion of the frame body has a structure that is easily bent.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of a joint structure between frames having different joining directions. As shown in FIG. 7A, for example, in the case of a structure in which two frames 33 and 36 are joined at substantially right angles, the outer edge surface of one frame 36 is applied to the inner surface of the other frame 33, and And the thick portions 20f, 20f from two directions.
g is formed to have a predetermined outer shape. In this case, since the reinforcing fibers may be exposed on the outer edge surface of the other frame 33, the thick portion 20g of the surface in such a direction is formed thicker than the thick portion 20f of the surface in the other direction. Is preferred. Alternatively, in the first joining, it is preferable to join the frame body on which the impact or load acts greatly so that the reinforcing fibers are not exposed (in the configuration in the figure, the frame body 36 side).

With such a joining structure, the two frames can be joined without a decrease in strength even if the joining directions are different. Also, as shown in FIG.
The metal layer 37 serving as a protective layer is formed on the outer surface of the FRM layer 37a of the frame 37 made of RM as in the second embodiment.
When the metal layer 37b is provided, the metal layer 37b is
It is preferable that the metal layer 37b be formed longer than the M layer 37a, and the outer edge surface of another frame 38 be applied to the metal layer 37b to join them together. In this case, a taper is formed in an end region of the frame body 38,
It is preferable to form the thick portion 20h in this portion in an R shape.

According to such a configuration, since the metal layer 37b is formed long, the exposure of the reinforcing fibers of the FRM layer 37a can be reliably prevented, and when the frame 38 is formed of FRM, the frame 38 is formed. Exposure of the reinforcing fibers can be reliably prevented, and the two frames can be joined without a decrease in strength. Further, by forming a taper in the end region of the frame body 38 and forming the thick part 20h in an R shape in this part, the polishing amount of the thick part is reduced, and the frame body can be more firmly joined.

FIG. 3C shows an example of a joint structure between frames having the same joint direction. In the case where the joining directions are the same, after the end surfaces of the joining regions of the respective frame bodies 39 and 40 are notched in a thin shape, the thin portions are overlapped, and a thick portion 20i is formed in the joining region of the overlapped portion. Thus, the two frame members 39 and 40 can be joined without lowering the joining strength.

In this connection structure, when the frame members 39 and 40 are made of FRM, two reinforcing fiber layers 39a and 40a are formed at symmetrical positions from the thick center line. It is preferable that one of the reinforcing fiber layers is partially cut out horizontally. With this configuration, the reinforcing fiber layers 39a and 40a overlap at the overlapped portion and are protected by the thick portion 20i, so that the strength can be further improved.

The joint structure between the frame members of the above-described embodiment can be applied to a joint structure of a head made of FRM and a general head made of metal or the like. (Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the outer shell member defining the head body 51 is divided into a plurality of frames, and these frames are integrally joined to form the head body 51. In this case, at least the frame body constituting the crown portion 52 or the sole portion 53 is made of a plate-like fiber reinforced metal (FRM) reinforced with long fibers. Note that a frame serving as another component, for example, the back portion 5
4. The toe side portion 55 and the like may be formed for each portion. For example, the back portion 54 and the toe side portion 55 may be formed integrally. Further, the plate-like FRM includes a flat FRM or a FRM that is formed in a curved shape so as to conform to the outer shape of the head main body 51.

In the above configuration, at least the crown portion 52 or the sole portion 53 is made of FRM reinforced by long fibers. Usually, the crown portion and the sole portion are strongly subjected to compressive stress in the front-rear direction (the direction from the face side to the back side) due to an impact at the time of hitting a ball, and are likely to buckle. For this reason, if the reinforcing fibers of the crown portion 52 and / or the sole portion 53 are arranged mainly in the front-rear direction of the head body 51, such breakage due to buckling can be effectively prevented, and the strength can be improved. Can be stabilized and durability can be improved. Further, the thickness and weight can be reduced in accordance with the improvement in strength.

In this case, the main reinforcing fibers are arranged in the following directions:
The angle is preferably ± 45 degrees or less, preferably ± 30 degrees or less, more preferably ± 15 degrees or less with respect to an orthogonal axis perpendicular to the face surface. Further, the FRM reinforcing fiber layer may be formed in a plurality of layers, may be overlapped with the fiber direction crossing, or may be formed in a woven fabric shape.

When a portion other than the crown portion 52 and the sole portion 53 of the head main body 51 is made of FRM, it is preferable to arrange the reinforcing fiber layer of FRM as follows. The toe side portion 55 and the heel side portion 56 are portions where an impact load is applied in the front-rear direction due to an impact at the time of hitting a ball, and buckling is likely to occur. Therefore, regarding these portions, the crown portion 52 and the sole portion 53
Similarly to the above, if the reinforcing fibers are mainly disposed in the front-rear direction of the head main body 51, such breakage due to buckling can be effectively prevented. Since the face portion 57 and the back portion 54 are generally formed longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction, the amount of deflection per unit length becomes large in the up-down direction due to impact at the time of hitting the ball, and Cracks and cracks easily. For this reason, as for the face portion 57 and the back portion 54, as shown in the figure, if reinforcing fibers are mainly arranged in the vertical direction of the head main body, such cracks and cracks can be prevented. When the neck portion 58 is made of FRM, it is preferable that the reinforcing fibers are directed in the mounting direction of the shaft. By directing the reinforcing fibers in the mounting direction of the shaft, neck break due to bending stress generated at the time of hitting a ball can be prevented.

In the above configuration, the joint structure of each frame is
It can be configured similarly to the third embodiment described above. Further, in addition to the impact at the time of hitting the head, an impact is applied from the outside by hitting an object, and cracks or dents may occur. In order to effectively prevent such cracks and dents, the reinforcing fibers of the crown portion 52 and / or the sole portion 53 are formed in the front-rear direction of the head main body 51,
It may be configured by a combination with a direction orthogonal to this.
In this case, since the impact in the front-rear direction at the time of hitting the ball is greater, it is better to allocate a large amount of reinforcing fibers in the front-rear direction. However, the shape of the crown portion 52 and the sole portion 53 is
If it is long in the toe and heel directions and is damaged by this length, the reinforcing fibers are oriented in the direction parallel to the face surface, that is, in the toe or heel direction, or as a combined fiber layer in which the reinforcing fibers are crossed. You may. (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a structure in which an outer shell member constituting a head main body 61 is divided into a frame, and these frames are integrally formed. Head body 6 of this embodiment
1 has a crown part 62, a sole part (not shown), a back part (not shown), a toe side part 65, a heel side part (not shown), and a neck part 68, and these parts are It is constituted by joining a plurality of frames. In this case, the frame body may be formed for each part, for example, as shown in the figure, a part of the crown part 62 and a part of the toe side part 65 are integrated into the frame body 70, or the like. The head body 61 is variously deformed according to the shape. In the head main body 61 thus configured, at least one frame body is made of a plate-shaped fiber reinforced metal (FRM) reinforced by long fibers, and is bent by squeezing or the like. In the configuration shown in the figure, the frame 70 is curved, and the ridge 71 is formed at the curved portion.

In this case, since the ridge 71 is located at a position where the head protrudes, the ridge 71 easily hits an object or the ground, and a strong load is applied.
This part is easily damaged by impact. Therefore, when a frame having such a ridge is formed by FRM, for example, as shown in the figure, when a part of the crown 62 and a part of the toe side 65 are integrally formed. It is preferable to arrange the reinforcing fibers in a direction substantially orthogonal to the ridgeline 71. That is, usually, the damage etc.
Therefore, if the reinforcing fibers are oriented in a direction orthogonal to the ridgeline direction, the strength can be effectively improved and the durability can be improved.
In addition, in order to effectively improve the strength and the durability, the direction in which the reinforcing fibers are disposed should be 90 degrees with respect to the ridge line direction.
The angle may be within 45 degrees, preferably within 90 degrees ± 30 degrees, and more preferably within 90 degrees ± 30 degrees.

The above structure is preferably applied to all the various ridge lines 71 of the head as shown in FIG. 8, but the structure of each frame, the method of arranging the joint between the frames, and the manufacturing method If the condition cannot be applied to all the ridge lines due to the limitation of the conditions, it may be applied to only some of the ridge lines. In addition, the reinforcing fibers are disposed so as to be continuous over one surface forming the ridge and the other surface. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that the position of the joint between the adjacent frames is set to a position slightly away from the ridge line.

When a frame having such ridge lines 71 is actually formed, a plate-like FR in which reinforcing fibers are aligned is used.
M may be bent in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the reinforcing fibers are aligned. Alternatively, the reinforcing fiber layer may be supported in the mold so as to come to the ridge line position, and may be formed by casting or the like.

FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c) are views showing an example of a joining structure for joining an FRM frame in which such ridge portions are reinforced by reinforcing fibers to an adjacent frame. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a joint structure of a back portion and a crown portion, or a toe side portion and a crown portion. In this example, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 8, a frame body 70 in which the crown portion 62 is bent is shown. As shown in the figure, the joint between the frame 70 and the frame 75 forming a part of the toe side portion is configured to be located at a position slightly away from the ridgeline 71. In addition, as shown in the drawing, the two frame bodies are joined by joining both edge end surfaces, and a thick portion 20
j, 20k.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a joint structure between the face plate 80 and the crown portion 62. The end face of the face plate 80 has a thin portion formed by notch on the back surface side, and the bent end portion of the crown portion 62 is applied to the step portion 80a created by the thin portion. Then, after the two parts are brought into contact with each other, thick portions 20m and 20n are formed on the front surface where the step is formed and the back surface where both are in contact with each other. 80 joints are made.
In this case, the bent end face of the crown portion 62 is received by the step portion, so that the two are securely joined, and the formation of the thick portions 20m, 20n in the joining region ensures that the reinforcing fibers are exposed. And the strength can be prevented from lowering.

In the joining structure shown in FIG. 5B, a thin portion is formed on the end face of the face plate 80 and a step portion of the thin portion is used. However, such a thin portion is not formed.
It is also possible to join both. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the end of the back surface of the face plate 80 and the front end surface of the bent portion of the crown portion 62 may be opposed to each other, and the thick portion 20p may be formed at the opposed portion to join the two. The thick part 20p is formed on both the front side and the back side to improve the bonding strength between the two. According to such a joining structure, joining is possible regardless of the shape of the end portion of the face plate, so that the productivity is good, the exposure of the reinforcing fibers is reliably prevented, and a decrease in strength can be prevented.

In the above-described embodiment, when the FRM reinforcing fiber layer is provided on the outer surface layer (outer layer) side of the head body, the ratio (Vf) of the reinforcing fibers is adjusted so that the reinforcing fibers are not exposed from the surface. It is better to make it smaller. For example, Vf3
It is preferably 0% or less, preferably 1 to 10%.

When a plurality of reinforcing fiber layers are formed in the FRM, it is preferable to lower the Vf of the reinforcing fiber layer on the surface layer side so that the reinforcing fibers are not exposed from the surface. Further, when the plurality of reinforcing fiber layers are composed of different reinforcing fibers, it is preferable to provide a high-strength fiber layer on the outside and a high-elastic fiber layer on the inside. Such FRM
With the structure, the strength can be improved and the thickness and weight can be reduced.

When the FRM frame is joined by welding or formed into a predetermined shape, the joining and forming are performed at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the FRM base material so that the physical properties of the reinforcing fiber layer do not deteriorate. Is preferred.

Here, in each of the above embodiments,
The constituent material, manufacturing method, and the like of the FRM constituting the frame of the head main body will be described. (1) As a metal serving as a base material of FRM, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, magnesium, zinc, copper, tin, or the like can be used. (2) Regarding the reinforcing fibers of FRM, glass such as E glass, S glass, and quartz glass; polycrystals such as aluminum oxide, zirconia, and boron nitride; metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, steel, and beryllium; Boron carbide,
Polyamides such as silicon carbide and titanium boride, as well as aramid fibers and amorphous carbon fibers can be used as organic fibers. (3) Examples of the method for producing FRM include a solid phase method such as a hot press method, a hot roll method, a powder metallurgy method, a high-temperature drawing / extrusion method, and a liquid phase method such as an infiltration method, a pressure casting method, A vacuum casting method, a die casting method, a component casting method and the like can be mentioned. It is also possible to combine (overlap) FRM and FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) and combine them with other than FRM by a hot press method, a pressure bonding method, or the like. (4) In order to improve corrosion resistance, polyurethane is used for reinforcing fibers.
Coating organic substances such as chlorinated rubber and epoxy,
It is preferable to electroplate nickel or the like or to coat a metal having corrosion resistance. These materials may be coated on the surface of the component by FRM. This coating can be performed after processing the head body. (5) Reinforcing fiber, FRM plate member, FR of head body
An abrasion-resistant layer can be formed by coating the surface of the M frame with a material that is more abrasion-resistant than the base material or the reinforcing fibers. In addition, it is preferable that the reinforcing fibers of the reinforcing fiber layer are coated with a coating for improving the wettability with the base material. (6) When using a FRM material composed of a plurality of types of reinforcing fiber layers, the reinforcing fibers or the reinforcing fiber layers are preferably selectively disposed as follows.

Regarding the specific gravity, those having a higher specific gravity are disposed on the sole side, and those having a lower specific gravity are disposed on the crown side. With this configuration, a head having a low center of gravity of the head and a large moment of inertia can be obtained.

Regarding the elastic modulus, a high elastic material is provided in the middle or inner layer of the frame of the head body, and a low elastic material is provided in the outer layer of the same frame. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the durability due to the deformation of the head main body due to the impact at the time of hitting the ball.

Regarding the elongation, a high elongation material is arranged on the outer layer or near the outer layer of the frame of the head body, and a low elongation material is arranged on the inner layer or the middle layer of the frame. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the breaking limit for the deformation of the head.

Regarding the strength, a high-strength material is disposed on the outer layer or near the outer layer of the head body frame, and a low-strength material is disposed on the inner layer or the middle layer of the frame body. With this configuration, the strength of the head main body can be stabilized.

Regarding the fiber diameter, thin fibers are disposed on the curved portion (largely deformed portion) of the frame of the head main body, and thick fibers are disposed on a portion of the frame of the head main body where a large compressive stress acts. Arrange. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the durability of the curved portion and the strength of the portion where the compressive stress acts greatly.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the golf club of the present invention can be configured by arbitrarily combining the above-described embodiments. For example, the protective layer according to the second embodiment can be applied to the head according to another embodiment, and the bonding structure according to the third embodiment can be applied to another embodiment. It is possible to apply to the head of. In the above embodiment, the wood type golf club has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to iron type golf clubs and putters. The same applies to parts.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The thickness and weight of the golf club head can be reduced and the strength and durability can be improved. As a result, it is possible to obtain a golf club in which the size of the head and the degree of freedom in weight distribution are increased, and various characteristics such as an improvement in flight distance and directional stability are improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view of a head portion.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a head portion.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention and is a longitudinal sectional view of a head portion.

4A is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure along line AA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing another example of a cross-sectional structure along line AA in FIG. FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure along the line BB of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a third embodiment of the present invention;
(A)-(d) is a figure which shows the joining structure in the ridge line part used as the joining part of each frame body which comprises a head main body.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams each showing another configuration example of the joint structure between the frame bodies.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
(A) is a perspective view of the head portion viewed from the crown side,
(B) is a perspective view of the head portion viewed from the heel side.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams respectively showing a joint structure between frames near a ridge line.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 21, 51, 61 Head body 2, 22, 31, 52, 62 Crown part 3, 23, 53 Sole part 4, 24, 34, 54 Back part 5, 55, 65 Toe side part 6 Heel side part 20, 20a to 20p Thick portion 29, 29a Protective layer 71 Ridge

Claims (5)

[Claims] An outer shell member forming a head body;
By constituting these members with a plurality of frames having a predetermined shape, at least one frame is made of a fiber-reinforced metal plate reinforced with long fibers, and the frames are integrally joined. A golf club comprising the head body. 2. A golf club having a hollow metal head body composed of a fiber reinforced metal at least partially reinforced with long fibers, wherein a protective layer is integrally formed on a surface of the fiber reinforced metal. Golf club characterized by. 3. An outer shell member forming a head body,
These members are constituted by a plurality of frames having a predetermined shape, and a thick portion is formed on the outside of the frames at the joints between the frames to join adjacent frames. Golf club. 4. An outer shell member forming a head body,
These members are composed of a plurality of frames having a predetermined shape, and at least the crown portion or the sole portion is made of a fiber-reinforced metal plate reinforced by long fibers, and the main reinforcing fibers of the crown portion or the sole portion are formed. A golf club, wherein the disposing direction is the front-back direction of the head body. 5. An outer shell member forming a head body,
A golf club comprising a plurality of frames having a predetermined shape, and a head body in which at least one frame is made of a fiber-reinforced metal plate reinforced with long fibers. A golf club, characterized in that the reinforcing fibers in the ridge portion of the frame-like body are directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ridge direction.